Pecha Kucha participants share their inspiration with public

Pecha Kucha Night takes place at the Park Theatre, Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Suggested price of a $5 donation.

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As we all start to settle back into a routine with the return of little humans to school, the cool fall weather begins, and a season change is upon us, 12 individuals come together to offer insight into where they find their creative inspiration. 

The 11th edition of Pecha Kucha takes place in Winnipeg Sept. 20th.  But what exactly is it? And more intriguing, how the heck do you pronounce it?  SCENE asked organizer Oliver Oike these questions and more. Oike is the chapter president for the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada and the driving force behind Pecha Kucha.

1. How do you pronounce it?
Hahaha - that's anyone's guess (kidding). The most appropriate pronunciation that I have encountered is peh-CHA coo-CHA. There are many variations used, including some fun (but still incorrectly pronounced) Sesame Street parodies.

2. What does it mean?
Pecha Kucha is Japanese for "chit-chat."

3. How does it differ from a Ted Talks?
Pecha Kucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. It rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It's a format that makes presentations concise and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

4. If one has never been to a Pecha Kucha night, what should you expect?
Expect to see a dozen or so people share their ideas, their work, their stories and what inspires them to be creative. Expect to be challenged, to laugh, to think, and to be surprised. You'll probably also make a few new friends.

5. Which presentation has been your favourite and why?
Since our first Night in February 2010, and including our 11th Pecha Kucha Night this week, we will have had more than 150 inspiring, talented creative professionals share their ideas and stories on stage. Each night is unique from the previous nights, and takes on its own personality as the night goes on. To pick a favourite presenter would be unfair because it's the diversity of the presenters and their connection with our supportive audience that really makes the event special.

Oike may not want to reveal his favourite, but you can pick yours and hear what these individuals have to say when they present at Pecha Kucha:

• Kal Barteski and GMB Chomichuk are billed as creative partners in crime
• Copywriter Jason Booth
• Doug Coates is a designer/illustrator
• Noah Erenberg is a  journalist/documentary filmmaker
• Storyteller Marc Kuly
• Electronic media artist Erika Lincoln
• Susie Parker is a marketing/PR/social media strategist
• Sean and Lisa Pointon-Reico are jewelry designers
• Alyson Shane is from the MEME festival
• Author/life coach Stephanie Staples